Deep fryer for cooking foodstuff

ABSTRACT

A kitchen appliance for cooking foodstuff in a liquid includes an outer shell having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a base enclosing the lower surface of the outer shell. A cooking pot is positioned within the outer shell for receiving the foodstuff and the liquid. The cooking pot has an upper rim and an air gap is defined by the outer shell, the base and the cooking pot. A heating element is positioned within the air gap. A rib is mounted between the upper surface of the outer shell and the upper rim of the cooking pot for preventing the flow of liquid into the air gap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to kitchen appliances for cookingfoodstuff in a liquid and, more particularly, to a deep fryer or othersimilar cooking apparatus that enables a user to quickly andconveniently drain and/or pour cooking oil from within the interior of acontainer of the deep fryer once cooking of the foodstuff is complete.

Deep fryers are a relatively common household or restaurant appliancethat are used to cook or fry foodstuff, typically chicken breasts,turkey breasts, French fries or other foodstuff that is desired to befried. A typical deep fryer includes a housing which holds the cookingoil or other liquid to be heated and a basket which is placed inside thehousing and which holds the foodstuff to be cooked. A heating coil,located inside the deep fryer, heats the liquid to a desired temperatureto cook the foodstuff within the basket.

Once cooking is complete, disposal of the liquid used to cook thefoodstuff is often an inconvenience for the user. Therefore, it isdesirable that the liquid or cooking oil inside the deep fryer can bequickly and conveniently poured or dispensed into another container or adrain to assure that the liquid is not inadvertently spilled outside thedeep fryer or that the liquid does not accidentally reach sensitiveelectrical components of the deep fryer. In the same sense, it would bedesirable to provide structure within the deep fryer that permits a userto conveniently drain the liquid or cooking oil once cooking iscomplete.

When removing or pouring the liquid or oil from a deep fryer, a userprefers to have full control over the deep fryer to assure that theliquid is not spilled outside of the deep fryer. Further, it isimportant that the various components of the deep fryer are securelyheld in place such that the structure of the deep fryer maintains itsproper position as the cooking oil is removed or drained from the deepfryer. It is also desirable that the deep fryer is constructed in arelatively tight and/or compact manner to assure that inadvertent orerrant drips or cooking stuff do not enter relatively sensitive orpurposefully confined areas of the deep fryer.

Further, conventional deep fryers often come with several components orpieces that fit together, such as the housing and basket. Typically, itis the user's responsibility to properly position the componentstogether before cooking the foodstuff. However, this can create aninconvenience for the user if the assembly is not straightforward orsimple. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a deep fryer with astructure that allows for quick and convenient assembly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a kitchen appliancefor cooking foodstuff in a liquid. The kitchen appliance includes anouter shell having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a baseenclosing the lower surface of the outer shell. A cooking pot ispositioned within the outer shell for receiving the foodstuff and theliquid. The cooking pot has an upper rim and an air gap is defined bythe outer shell, the base and the cooking pot. A heating element ispositioned within the air gap. A rib is mounted between the uppersurface of the outer shell and the upper rim of the cooking pot forpreventing the flow of liquid into the air gap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofa preferred embodiment of the present invention, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the invention described in the presentapplication, there is shown in the drawings, an embodiment which ispresently preferred. It should be understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front right side perspective view of a preferred embodimentof a deep fryer in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear left side perspective view of the deep fryer shown inFIG. 1, with a lid shown in a spaced-apart relationship from a containerof the deep fryer;

FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the deep fryer shown in FIG. 1in a partially exploded position;

FIG. 4 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembledcontainer of the deep fryer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear cross-sectional elevation view of portions of the deepfryer shown in FIG. 1, with certain structure removed for clarity;

FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of portions of the deep fryershown in FIG. 1, with certain structure removed for clarity;

FIG. 7 is an exploded bottom perspective view of portions of the deepfryer shown in FIG. 1, with certain structure removed for clarity;

FIG. 8 is a is an exploded bottom perspective view of the lid of thedeep fryer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a portion of the lid and a ring ofthe container of the deep fryer shown in FIG. 1, with certain structureremoved for clarity; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view of selected portions ofthe lid of the deep fryer shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper”designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the kitchen appliance anddesignated parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listedwords, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals are usedto indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-10 apresently preferred embodiment of a kitchen appliance, generallydesignated 10, for cooking foodstuff (not shown) in a liquid, such ascooking oil or the like (not shown). Preferably, the kitchen appliance10 is a deep fryer, but the kitchen appliance 10 could be other productsuch as a crock pot or steamer machine, for example. The deep fryer 10is a relatively small, light-weight and portable device, as compared toconventional deep fryers. The deep fryer 10 preferably includes acontainer 11 for receiving the foodstuff and the liquid and a lid 24removably mountable to the container 11. The container 11 is preferablycircular or cylindrical in shape and includes an upper, open end and alower, closed end. A sidewall generally orthogonally extends from thelower, closed end and has an interior surface and an exterior surface.The lid 24 is removably mountable to the upper, open end of thecontainer 11 to enclose the foodstuff and the liquid therein.

As seen in FIGS. 1-5, the container 11 includes an outer shell or wrap12 having an upper surface or rim 12 a and a lower surface or rim 12 b.The outer shell 12 has an exterior surface exposed to the externalenvironment and an internal surface that is exposed to the interior ofthe deep fryer 10. The outer shell 12 is generally circular orcylindrical in shape and is preferably formed of a high strength, lightweight material, such as a metallic material. As seen in FIG. 3, theouter shell 12 is a relatively thin layer or structure that encloses andprotects the interior structure of the deep fryer 10. The outer shell 12preferably includes a cut-out 106 adjacent to the upper surface 12 athereof. Specifically, the cut-out 106 is generally rectangular in shapewhen viewed from the side and has two spaced-apart, verticallyextending, edge portions 106 a that intersect an elongated,horizontally-extending, edge portion 106 b that is spaced apredetermined distance below the upper rim 12 a of the outer shell 12.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 6 and 7, a control housing 15 is preferablypermanently mounted to the exterior surface of the outer shell 12. Inthe preferred embodiment, the control housing 15 includes a rotatabledial 15 a that allows the user to selectively control and/or adjust anadjustable thermostat 96 (FIGS. 6 and 7) enclosed within the deep fryer10. As seen in FIG. 7, the deep fryer 10 may include a fixed temperaturethermostat 98 in series with the adjustable thermostat 96 to regulatethe temperature in an alternative manner. It is understood by thoseskilled in the art that the deep fryer 10 may include both or only oneof the thermostats 96, 98. The control housing 15 may include a timerknob (not shown) and/or a power switch (not shown). A consumer or usercan selectively control a heating element 102, such as a CalRod, byadjustment of the thermostat 96 through manipulation of the dial 15 a.Alternatively, the control housing 15 may include one or more buttons,levers or knobs (not shown) that allow the user to control operation ofthe heating element 102. Furthermore, the deep fryer 10 is not limitedto the inclusion of a control housing 15, or the control housing 15 maybe positioned inside the deep fryer 10.

As seen in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the deep fryer includes at least one, butpreferably two spaced-apart handles 17 permanently attached to opposingsides of the exterior surface of the outer shell 12. The handles 17allow the user to control movement and placement of the deep fryer 10.Further, an electrical connector 40 is mounted to the exterior surfaceof the outer wrap 12 and operatively connects the thermostat 96 andheating element 102 to an electrical power source, such as an electricaloutlet mounted on a wall. The electrical connector 40 includes a socket41, having an outer housing 46 to at least partially enclose at leastone but preferably two spaced-apart electrical contacts (not shown)located therein, and a plug 60 removably mountable to the socket 41. Apower cord 30 (shown in phantom in FIGS. 1-3) extends from the plug 60and operatively engages with an electrical outlet (not shown) or otherpower source. Portions of a plug 60 engage the electrical contacts ofthe socket 41, which allows the user to selectively provide and cutpower to the deep fryer 10. The socket 41 is preferably oriented suchthat the plug 60 must be substantially vertically oriented tooperatively connect to the deep fryer 10 to the power source. Further,the socket 41 and plug 60 are preferably magnetically connected, thusreducing the force required to separate the plug 60 from the socket 40.The vertical orientation of the socket 41 and plug 60 and the magneticconnection between the socket 41 and plug 60 create a break-awayelectrical connection that can be relatively easily disengaged toprevent the deep fryer 10 from inadvertently tipping when the plug 60 isremoved from the socket 41.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-7, the container 11 includes a base 14 atthe lower or bottom end thereof. Specifically, the base 14 engagesand/or encloses the lower rim 12 b of the outer shell 12. The base 14 isgenerally circular or cylindrical in shape and is sized and shaped toconform to and/or generally tightly fit within or around the lowersurface 12 b of the outer shell 12. Specifically, as seen in FIGS. 6 and7, the base 14 includes a vertically-extending sidewall 116 having a lipor horizontally-extending edge portion 116 a that extends around theouter circumference of the base 14 proximate a vertical midsectionthereof. An upper, free end 116 b of the sidewall 116 is slightlyrecessed with respect to the portion of the sidewall 116 that is beneaththe lip 116 a, such that the lower rim 12 b engages and/or sits on thelip 116 a. A plurality of spaced-apart protrusions 117 may extend froman exterior surface of the upper, free end 116 b to engage the interiorsurface of the outer shell 12. The projections 117 ensure that the base14 properly engages the outer shell 12. Preferably, the base 14 furtherincludes a central hub 118 having a passageway 119 therethrough. Aplurality of slats 120 tangentially extend from an exterior surface ofthe central hub 118 toward and/or to an interior surface of the sidewall116 of the base 14. Further, a plurality of generally arcuate openings121 are located between and generally orthogonal to the slats 120 andprovide a passage way to promote the flow of air into and out of thedeep fryer 10 to help cool the outer shell 12 of the deep fryer 10 whenthe heating element 102 is operating.

Referring to FIGS. 2-7, the container 11 further includes a cooking pot20 positioned within and/or fixedly mounted inside the outer shell 12.The cooking pot 20 directly receives the foodstuff and the liquid to becooked and/or heated. The cooking pot 20 has a radially outwardlyextending upper open rim 20 a and a lower closed end 20 b. The cookingpot 20 is preferably circular or cylindrical in shape to conform to theshape of the outer shell 12 and base 14. However, the diameter of thecooking pot 20 is preferably less than that of the outer shell 12 and/orbase 14. As seen in FIGS. 3-5, an air gap 104 is defined by and/orbetween the outer shell 12, the base 14 and the cooking pot 20. Theheating element 102 is preferably permanently affixed, or brazed, to anexterior surface of the lower end 20 b. Thus, the heating element 102 ispositioned within the air gap 104 and is positioned between the outershell 12, the base 14 and the cooking pot 20.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the thermostat 96 allows the user to control thetemperature of the heating element 102 through manipulation of thecontrol dial 15 a. In operation, the thermostat 96 senses thetemperature transferred from an aluminum bracket 113 attached to thebottom closed end 20 b of the cooking pot 20. In operation, once thetemperature of the cooking pot 20 reaches a selected high set point, thethermostat 96 cuts off power to the heating element 102 and the cookingpot 20 begins to cool down to a predetermined low set point temperaturebelow the high set point. Once the temperature of the cooking pot 20drops or reaches the predetermined lower set point, the thermostat 96reconnects the heating element 102 to the electrical power supply andthe heating element 102 begins to heat up again. During the cookingcycle, the thermostat 96 can maintain the temperature of the cooking pot20 at a desired level by cutting off power to the heating element 102when the temperature reaches the high set point and providing power tothe heating element 102 when the cooking pot 20 reaches the lower setpoint.

The cooking pot 20 preferably includes a pour spout 22 located at andpreferably extending from the upper rim 20 a. The pour spout 22 allowsthe user to dispense and/or pour the liquid or cooking oil from thecooking pot 20 in a quick and convenient manner. Specifically, the pourspot 22 includes two spaced-apart, vertically-extending, sidewalls 22 athat extend to opposite ends of a horizontally-extending base wall 22 bthat is spaced a predetermined distance from the upper rim 20 a of thecooking pot 20. A lower portion 22 c of the pour spout 22 forms anextension of the cooking pot 20 such that the liquid or cooking oil isguided toward an outer/upper lip 22 d of the pour spout 22 for clean andeasy pouring of the liquid. In operation, once the cooked foodstuff hasbeen removed from the cooking pot 20, the temperature of the deep fryer10 and liquid has cooled, and the lid 24 has been removed from thecontainer 11, a user can manipulate and/or tilt the container 11 suchthat the liquid within the cooking pot 20 is poured and/or drainedthrough the pour spout 22 to a drain or another container.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5 and 9, the container 11 further includes a ring16 securely attached to the upper rim 12 a of the outer shell 12. Thering 16 is generally circular or cylindrical in shape to conform to thegenerally circular or cylindrical shape of the upper surface 12 a of theouter shell 12. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 9, an interior sidewall of thering 16 preferably includes two vertically spaced-apart ledges 122, 123that extend radially inwardly towards a geometric center of the deepfryer 10. The lower ledge 123, which preferably extends further radiallyinwardly towards the geometric center of the deep fryer 10 than theupper ledge 122, is positioned below the upper ledge 122. The ring 16further includes a vertically-extending sidewall 124 on an exteriorsurface thereof. A lower portion 124 a is preferably recessed or has asmaller diameter than sidewall 124 such that the outer shell 12generally forms a smooth transition with the sidewall 124 of the ring 16when the ring 16 is properly mounted to the outer shell 12 as shown.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 9, the interior surface of the ring 16 preferablyincludes at least one, but preferably two spaced-apart lips 112 a, 112b. Specifically, the lips 112 a, 112 b are formed on opposite sides ofthe interior surface of the ring 16 and formed on or above the upperledge 122. The lips 112 a, 112 b, which are preferably in the form ofrecesses, are generally rectangular in shape and extend from theinterior surface of the ring 16 towards the exterior surface of the ring16. The ring 16 is not limited to the inclusion of the recesses 112 a,112 b or the shape, size or location shown and described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, the ring 16 further includes a conduit 108have two spaced-apart edge portions 108 a that vertically extend toopposite ends of a horizontally-extending base portion 108 b that isspaced a predetermined distance from a top edge of the ring 16. As seenin FIGS. 3, 4 and 9, two spaced-apart elongated walls 125 orthogonallyextend from the base portion 108 b and form an archway 126 therebetween.The walls 125 and archway 126 improve the rigidity of the conduit 108using minimal material. When the container 11 is in the properlyassembled position, the ring 16 is placed onto the outer shell 12 suchthat at least a portion of the conduit 18 fits within the cut-out 106 ofthe outer shell 12. Thus, the cut-out 106 of the outer shell 11 is sizedand shaped to receive the conduit 108 of the ring 16 therein.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the container 11 also includes a rib 18 mountedbetween the upper rim 12 a of the outer shell 12 and the upper rim 20 aof the cooking pot 20. Specifically, the rib 18 is secured between a topsurface of the ring 16 and beneath the upper rim 20 a of the cooking pot20. The structure, shape and positioning of the rib 18 prevents the flowof inadvertent or errant drips of liquid or cooking oil from enteringthe air gap 104, where relatively sensitive electrical components arelocated. The rib 18 is generally circular or cylindrical in shape toconform to the shape of the cooking pot 20, the ring 16 and the outershell 12. Preferably, the rib 18 has a larger diameter than a diameterof a sidewall of the cooking pot 20. However, the diameter of the rib 18is preferably less than a diameter of the ring 16. The rib 18 ispreferably formed of silicon, but may be formed of virtually any type ofhigh strength, light weight material.

As seen in FIG. 3, a groove or channel 126 preferably extends virtuallythe entire circumference of the rib 18 at generally a verticalmidsection of the exterior surface thereof. The groove 126 is sized andshaped to receive the lower ledge 123 of the ring 16, which helps toproperly position the rib 18. However, the groove 126 may be sized andshaped to receive or conform to a different portion of the deep fryer10. The rib 18 further includes a channel 110 having two spaced-apart,vertically extending, sidewalls 110 a that extend downwardly from a topsurface of the ring 18 to opposite ends of a horizontally-extendingledge 110 b that is spaced a predetermined distance from a top surfaceof the ring 16. The overall size and shape of the channel 110 ispreferably smaller than that of the conduit 108 of the ring 16, suchthat the conduit 108 is sized and shaped to receive the channel 110 ofthe rib 18 when the container 11 is properly assembled (FIGS. 1, 2 and4). Likewise, the general size and shape of the channel 110 of the rib18 is larger than the general size and shape of the pour spout 22 of thecooking pot 20, such that the channel 110 is sized and shaped to receivethe pour spout 22 of the cooking pot 20 when the container 11 isproperly assembled (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4). It is understood by those skilledin the art that the specific size, shape and structure of the outershell 11, ring 16, rib 18 and cooking pot 20 assist the user indetermining whether or not the various components of the deep fryer 10are properly positioned.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, an elongated rod 90 orthogonally extends fromthe lower surface 20 b of the cooking pot 20. The rod 90 is generallycircular in shape when viewed from below and is preferably welded to thepot 20 at a first end 90 a of the rod 90. A hex nut 91 may surround aportion of the rod 90 proximate to the first end 90 a A second end 90 bof the rod 90 preferably includes a series of threads 90 c. However, theentire rod 90 may include threads. When the deep fryer 10 is in theassembled configuration (FIGS. 1 and 5), the threads 90 c on the secondend 90 b of the rod 90 extend through the passageway 119 of the centralhub 118 of the base 14 such that the cooking pot 20 may be fixedlymounted to the base 14.

Specifically, a spacer 92 and a hex nut 200 surround at least a portionof the rod 90 and properly secure the rod 90 to the base 14. The spacer92 has an elongated body 92 a having a central passageway therethroughand a flattened or wider lower end 92 b is retained in position by thehex net 200 having complimentary screw threads on an interior surfacethereof. Specifically, the threads of the hex nut 200 engage the threads90 c of the rod 90 to fix the cooking pot 20 with respect to the base 14and outer shell 12. In the assembled configuration (FIGS. 1 and 5), theelongated body 92 a is positioned inside the base 14 and the lower end92 b is positioned outside the base 14, such as against a portion of theexterior bottom of the base 14. The spacer 92, which is preferablyformed of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or other similar polymericmaterial, functions as an insulator and can withstand temperatures atleast as high as 135° C. Thus, due to the spacer 92, the cooking pot 20is securely mounted to the base 14 and heat transferred from the cookingpot 20 to the rod 90 is not transferred to the base 14.

Furthermore, a C-shaped bracket 94 is preferably positioned between atop surface of the hex nut 91 and the closed bottom surface 20 b of thecooking pot 20. As understood by those skilled in the art, the structureof the rod 90, the spacer 92 and the bracket 94 provide a relativelysimple structural connection between the base 14 and the cooking pot 20to assure that the cooking pot 20 and the base 14 are permanentlyattached. Further, properly attaching the lower end 92 b of the spacer92 around the rod 90 on the exterior surface of the base 14, the cookingpot 20 securely tightens and/or sandwiches the ring 16 and rib 18against the upper rim 12 a of the outer shell 11, which prevents leaksof inadvertent liquid into the air gap 104.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 8-10, the lid 24 includes a generally bulboushandle 82 that extends from a top surface thereof, two oppositelyoriented elongated sliders 28 a, 28 b preferably positioned within thelid, at least one biasing member 84, a filter or sieve 27 and a liner 26attached to a bottom surface thereof. The lid 24 is generally circularin shape when viewed from above or below to conform to the size andshape of the container 11 of the deep fryer 10. An arcuate flange orsidewall 130 orthogonally extends from the bottom surface of the lid 24around the entire outer circumference of the lid 24. Further, the flange130 of the lid 24 includes two oppositely spaced indentations 132 atgenerally the outer circumference of the lid 24. A catch or tongue 114extends a predetermined distance beyond and/or below the flange 113. Thetongue 114 is sized and shaped to at least partially enclose and/orcover the conduit 108 of the ring 16 when the lid 24 is placed on thecontainer 11. Thus, when the lid 24 is properly positioned on thecontainer 11, the tongue 114 aligns with the conduit 108 to help preventhot liquid or cooking oil from inadvertently flowing out of the pourspout 22 of the cooking pot 20. The tongue 114 provides a visualindication to the user of the proper orientation of the lid 24 onto thecontainer 11. Specifically, when the tongue 114 is properly fittedwithin the cut-out 106 of the outer shell 12, the user can be sure thatthe indentations 132 are properly aligned with the recesses 112 a, 112 bof the container 11, such that the sliders 28 a, 28 b can properlyengage the recesses 112 a, 112 b.

As seen in FIG. 8, the liner 26 encloses the bottom surface of the lid24. Preferably, the liner 26 is formed of a metallic material, but maybe formed of virtually any high strength, light weight material. Theliner 26 is generally circular in shape to conform to the shape of thelid 24. To match the shape of the lid 24, the liner 26 includes twooppositely spaced indentations 134 to match the oppositely spacedindentations 132 of the lid 24. The liner 26 preferably includes one ormore louvered vents 136 that preferably align with one or more louveredvents 80 that extend through the lid 24. The vents 80, 136 allow aselective amount of hot gas and/or moisture to escape from the container11 when the lid 24 is mounted thereto. Preferably, the liner 26 alsoincludes one or more screw slots 138 that permit passage of a screw,bolt or other fastening means (not shown) to fixedly attach the liner 26to screw sockets 140 spaced-apart on the bottom surface of the lid 24.The filter 27 is preferably positioned between the liner 26 and thebottom surface of the lid 24 at or near the vents 80, 136, to preventrelatively large particles and/or objects from passing therethrough.

The sliders 28 a, 28 b are formed of a first elongated slider 28 a and asecond elongated slider 28 b. The first elongated slider 28 a has aproximal end 29 a located at generally the geometric center of the lid24. A second, distal end 32 a of the first elongated slider 28 a isspaced from the proximal end 29 a at generally the outer circumferentialpoint of the lid 24. Thus, the proximal end 29 a of the first elongatedslider 28 a is positioned adjacent to a first side of the handle 82 andthe distal end 32 a of the first elongated slider 28 a is positionedproximate to the outer circumferential edge of the lid 24. The secondelongated slider 28 b also includes a first, proximal end 29 b locatedadjacent to a second, opposite side of the handle 82 and a second,distal end 32 b adjacent to the outer circumferential edge of the lid24. As seen in FIGS. 8-10, the sliders 28 a, 28 b are oppositelyoriented within the lid 24 such that the sliders 28 a, 28 b are spacedfrom each other approximately a full 180 degrees. The proximal end 29 a,29 b of each slider 28 a, 28 b is in the form of a gripping member. Eachgripping member has a plurality of vertically oriented spaced-apart ribs142 that provide an optimal surface to receive and/or engage a usersfingers and/or thumb. The distal end 32 a, 32 b of each slider 28 a, 28b is in the form of a generally streamlined projection that is sized andshaped to fit within one of the recesses 112 a, 112 b of the ring 16when the lid 24 is placed on the container 11.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the handle 82 of the lid has a top planersurface 144, a bottom surface 146 and a generally arcuate midsection 148therebetween. The bottom surface 146 of the handle 82 includes at leastone, but preferably two spaced-apart screw holes 150 to receive a screw,bolt or other fastening means (not shown) to fixedly secure the handle82 to the top surface of the lid 24. The midsection 148 of the handle 82preferably includes two oppositely oriented recessed portions 152 thatare sized and shaped to receive portions of each elongated slider 28 a,28 b. Further, a passageway 154, preferably in the shape of an arch,connects each recessed portion 152 of the handle 82. The handle 82 isnot limited to the exact size, shape and structure described above, butmay be modified to conform to additional biasing members or differentlyshaped and/or sized sliders 28 a, 28 b.

In the preferred embodiment, the at least one biasing member 84 ispositioned between the proximal ends 29 a, 29 b of the elongated sliders28 a, 28 b. Preferably, the at least one biasing member 84 is in theform of a tension coil spring having a first end spaced from a second,opposite end. The first end of the spring 84 is preferably attached tothe first elongated slider 28 and the second end of the spring 84 ispreferably attached to the second elongated slider 28 b. In thepreferred embodiment, each slider 28 a, 28 b, includes a depression 154sized and shaped to receive one of the ends of the spring 84 to properlyhold the spring 84 in position. However, the depressions 154 mayalternatively be in the form of one or more posts or projections thatare sized and shaped to receive and/or engage portions of the spring 84.When the lid 24 is in the assembled configuration (FIGS. 1-3), thehandle 82 at least partially engages and/or surrounds a portion of thebiasing member 84 extending therethrough. Specifically, a portion of thebiasing member 84 fits within the arch 156 of the handle 82. Thoseskilled in the art understand that the lid 24 may incorporate two ormore biasing members 84 and/or three or more sliders 28 a, 28 b.

When the lid 24 is in the assembled configuration (FIGS. 1-3), theinherent force created by the at least one biasing member 84 directlyurges the proximal end 29 a of the first elongated member 28 a away fromthe proximal end 29 b of the second elongated member 28 b. This forceurges the distal ends 32 a, 32 b of each slider 28 a, 28 b through theindentations 132 in the sidewall 130 of the lid 24 and toward and/orinto the recesses 112 a, 112 b of the ring 16. When the user desires toremove the lid 24 from the container 10, the user presses each grippingmember of each proximal end 29 a, 29 b towards the geometric center ofthe handle 82. This force created by the user overcomes the inherentforce in the biasing member 84 and the biasing member 84 becomescompressed. As the biasing member 84 gives way to the force of theuser's fingers/hand, the distal ends 32 a, 32 b of each slider 28 a, 28b are retracted from the recesses 112 a, 112 b of the ring 16 such thatthe lid 24 can be lifted off of the container 11 and removed from thecontainer 11.

Thus, in a normal or resting position, the at least one biasing member84 urges the first end 29 a, 29 b of each slider 28 a, 28 b outwardlyaway from the handle 82, such that the distal end 32 a, 32 b of eachslider 28 a, 28 b is moved through one of the indentations 132 of thelid 24 and below and/or into one of the lips or recesses 112 a, 112 b ofthe container 11. In this normal or resting position, the lid 24 isgenerally securely attached to the container 11. When the user pressesthe first end 29 a, 29 b of each slider 28 a, 28 b inwardly towards thehandle 82, such that the at least one biasing member 84 is compressed,the distal ends 32 a, 32 b are withdrawn and/or removed from the lips orrecesses 112 a, 112 b of the container 11 such that the lid 24 can beremoved from the container 11.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiment described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but isintended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A kitchen appliance for cooking foodstuff in a liquid, said kitchenappliance comprising: an outer shell having an upper surface and a lowersurface; a base enclosing said lower surface of said outer shell; acooking pot positioned within said outer shell for receiving saidfoodstuff and said liquid, said cooking pot having an upper rim, an airgap being defined by the outer shell, the base and the cooking pot; aheating element positioned within said air gap; a rib mounted betweenand directly contacting both said upper surface of said outer shell andsaid upper rim of said cooking pot for preventing the flow of liquidinto said air gap, said rib substantially surrounding said cooking potadjacent said upper rim thereof; a ring between said upper surface ofsaid outer shell and said rib; and wherein said cooking pot includes apour spout in direct contact and directly extending from said upper rimthereof, said pour spout integrally forming an extension of the cookingpot, said rib including a channel, said channel being sized and shapedto receive the pour spout of said cooking pot therein.
 2. The kitchenappliance according to claim 1, wherein said cooking pot is fixedlymounted directly to said base.
 3. The kitchen appliance according toclaim 2, wherein an elongated rod is fixedly attached to a closed bottomsurface of said cooking pot, said rod extending through an opening insaid base.
 4. The kitchen appliance according to claim 3, wherein aninsulating spacer and a hex nut surround at least a portion of said rod.5. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein said rib isformed of silicon.
 6. The kitchen appliance according to claim 5,wherein a conduit is formed within said ring for receiving at least aportion of said silicon rib.
 7. The kitchen appliance according to claim1, wherein said kitchen appliance is a deep fryer and said liquid iscooking oil.
 8. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein saidring further includes a conduit, said conduit being sized and shaped toreceive said channel of said rib therein.
 9. The kitchen applianceaccording to claim 8, wherein said outer shell includes a cut-out atsaid upper surface thereof, said cut-out being sized and shaped toreceive said conduit of said ring therein.
 10. The kitchen applianceaccording to claim 1, wherein said rib and said ring each include adiameter, the diameter of the rib being less than a diameter of thering.
 11. The kitchen appliance according to claim 1, wherein saidchannel is larger than the general size and shape of the pour spout ofthe cooking pot.